WORLD champion boxer Takaloo is a knockout ambassador for his district of Thanet, according to council chairman Cllr Jeffrey Kirkpatrick.

He has presented the Margate fighter, who won the WBU world welterweight title in May, with the first ever chairman’s award for exceptional achievement.

Cllr Kirkpatrick said: "There are so many good things going on in Thanet and it’s time that we recognised those who are making exceptional achievements.

"That is the idea behind these awards and I am delighted that Takaloo is the first recipient. His achievements have seen him rise to become a world champion, after starting his boxing career at Margate Boxing Club at the age of nine.

"That’s exactly the sort of feat that we want to encourage amongst everybody, but especially our young people.

"There are so many opportunities to get involved with activities this summer and I hope that they will take full advantage of them, knowing that one day they could also reach the same level that Takaloo has already achieved."